The college football world was hit with the horrific news of the death of Mississippi Valley State football player Ryan Quinney on Friday.
Quinney, 20, died in a car crash on Friday night, the school announced, the day before MVSU took on Jackson State at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, on Saturday. The school announced the news on its Facebook page at 12:38 p.m. ET, with the SWAC matchup scheduled at 2 p.m.
‘We are heartbroken to share that our beloved student, Ryan Quinney, tragically lost his life in a car accident last night,’ the school announced on Facebook. ‘Ryan was a bright light in our community with a spirit that lifted everyone around him. He will be deeply missed by his friends, faculty, and all who knew him.
‘During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ryan’s family and loved ones. Please keep them, along with his friends and classmates, in your thoughts and prayers. Let us remember Ryan’s impact on our lives and honor his memory by supporting each other through this loss.
‘Rest in peace, Ryan.’
Quinney was mentioned in the pregame prayer when captains for both teams met at midfield and honored him. During MVSU’s first drive, the team took a delay-of-game penalty to honor Quinney. Jackson State declined the penalty.
Here’s what you need to know about Quinney:
Who was Ryan Quinney?
Quinney was a junior linebacker for MVSU. He attended Theodore High School in Mobile, Alabama, from 2018-22, where, according to his Hudl profile, he played tight end, fullback, and defensive end.
The 6-foot, 210-pound linebacker wore jersey No. 31 for the MVSU. Quinney played in 15 games for the Delta Devils in the last two seasons. He recorded 73 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and forced two fumbles. His final game appearance came on Oct. 12 vs. Alabama State.